The U.S. Women’s National Team reclaimed its top spot, securing a record fifth Olympic gold medal with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the 2024 Gold Medal Match at Paris’s Parc des Princes.
Mallory Swanson, marking her 100th cap, scored the decisive goal in the second half, making history with her “golden” strike. The dynamic forward trio of Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman, known as the “Triple Espresso,” were pivotal throughout the tournament, netting 10 of the team’s 12 goals and each delivering a crucial match-winner during the knockout stages. Their combined five assists showcased the attacking prowess instilled by head coach Emma Hayes.
This triumph underscores the program’s enduring excellence and resilience. Following five FIFA Women’s World Cup setbacks, the U.S. consistently bounced back to claim Olympic gold. At a sold-out Parc des Princes, 12 months and four days after their Round of 16 World Cup exit in Australia, the U.S. added the 2024 Olympic gold to their previous victories in 1996, 2004, 2008, and 2012. The gold medal won in London marked their only perfect Olympic run with a 6-0-0 record.
Under Emma Hayes’ leadership, the U.S. Women’s National Team secured their latest gold medal in her 10th game at the helm. Hayes, with a record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, has never seen her team trailing. She became the fourth USWNT coach to win her first major tournament on the job.
In Saturday’s match at Parc des Princes, Hayes made a crucial decision by replacing Rose Lavelle with Korbin Albert, who earned her second Olympic start in midfield. Hayes has focused on maintaining connection and consistency, starting nine players in the first five matches. Albert, at 20 years and 302 days, became the youngest American woman to start an Olympic final. Her strong performances, including a notable quarterfinal showing against Japan and a decisive group-stage goal against Australia, earned her this role. Albert’s inclusion also allowed the U.S. to recreate the midfield trio that previously blanked Brazil 1-0 in the Concacaf W Gold Cup Final in March—adding to the history of their encounters in major finals, including three at the Olympics.
Despite Brazil’s strong start, with Ludmila testing U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher early on and a near-goal disallowed for offside, the ninth-ranked Brazilian team, led by six-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta (starting from the bench after a suspension), could not overcome the U.S. defense.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.